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Music, cancer and the PMC

Music, cancer and the PMC

We met Coby Brown this summer. The LA-based singer came home to Boston (he's a Brookline native) to sing the nation anthem during PMC Night at Fenway.

How he got there is an inspirational journey.

At the end of 2006, and on the heels of getting married and making an album, Brown was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a type of cancer found in soft tissue or bones. He had surgery to remove the malignant tumor and 13 chemotherapy treatments, which temporarily derailed his burgeoning music career with his band, the 11:11's.

By 2008, things were back on track for Brown. He signed up for the one-day 84 mile ride from Wellesley to Bourne. Being cancer free, Brown said he wanted to give back to others.

"It feels so great to get to do something to give back to my doctors and to help support anyone dealing with cancer and cancer treatment," Brown said.

When Billy Starr learned about Brown's story, he invited Brown to sing at Fenway Park and during the PMC opening ceremony in Sturbridge. Both events were special to Brown. Here's his story from NECN.

We hope to see Brown again in 2009. So far, things are going well for him – his new CD will be released in February and he's busy touring and promoting his solo record.

Here's one reviewer's take on Brown's CD from a local music web site:

A cancer survivor and activist, Brown carries a powerful message of hope and an effervescent spirit in his simple, yet potent lyrics that speak to the human spirit.

Brown wrote the CD, Stars and Curses, while undergoing cancer treatments. Read about his new CD here.